Updated March 23, 2026 at 10:42 AM EDT
In response to extended security lines at airports amid the ongoing government shutdown, President Trump announced the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff. This move was shared by Trump through his social media account, stating that ICE agents would help TSA agents who have continued their duties despite the shutdown.
The shutdown, which has affected the Department of Homeland Security for six weeks, has resulted in TSA employees missing paychecks. The administration holds Democrats accountable for the impasse. Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis emphasized the severe impact on TSA staff, with over 400 officers quitting and many unable to work due to financial constraints, thereby leading to significant travel delays nationwide.
“ICE will be deployed to airports experiencing these delays,” Bis informed NPR via email. However, specifics regarding the locations of ICE deployment remain undisclosed by DHS.
Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens confirmed that ICE agents would be stationed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to assist with managing lines and crowds. He noted that these federal agents are not intended for immigration enforcement during this deployment.
The plan has drawn criticism, particularly from Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, who underscored that ICE agents lack the specialized training in aviation security that TSA officers receive. “They deserve to be paid, not replaced by untrained, armed agents,” Kelley stated.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also opposes the plan, citing potential fear among travelers, a sentiment echoed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who expressed concerns about the presence of untrained ICE agents at airports.
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, heads the ICE deployment. While Homan acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the operation’s implementation, he mentioned that plans involve ICE agents taking over some TSA responsibilities to expedite security lines.
Unclear duties for ICE agents
Homan is coordinating with ICE and TSA leaders to refine the operational plan. He suggested that ICE agents might handle non-specialized tasks, freeing TSA officers for more critical security roles. However, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy suggested that ICE personnel might be capable of managing X-ray machines due to their association with Homeland Security.
Duffy warned of worsening airport delays if DHS funding isn’t resolved before TSA workers miss another paycheck. “More TSA agents are likely to quit or not show up as the week progresses,” Duffy predicted.
Scant negotiations progress
Efforts to pass a DHS funding bill have repeatedly stalled, leaving TSA and other agencies without resources. In contrast, ICE remains well-funded following a substantial budget increase last summer through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The shutdown was triggered by incidents involving federal immigration agents and the subsequent Democratic calls for policy reforms, such as requiring judicial warrants and prohibiting masks during ICE operations. Whether ICE agents will wear masks during airport duties is yet to be clarified.
Homan reported discussions with lawmakers regarding DHS funding but indicated no imminent resolution. “We cannot compromise on ICE’s responsibilities,” he stated, affirming that ICE agents will continue enforcing immigration laws during airport deployments.
NPR’s Jennifer Ludden contributed to this story.
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